Driver charged in Wilmington crash that left one man dead

A Lawrence man whose car crashed early this morning on Interstate 93 in Wilmington, leaving one dead, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police charged 23-year-old Dennes Almonte with serious bodily injury by motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating substance, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding.

Around 5 a.m., troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-93 northbound at exit 41, and found a 2003 Acura TL had crashed into the center median barrier and then rolled over.

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Hansel Paulino, 22, of Lawrence, who was ejected from the car in the crash, was unconscious and unresponsive at the scene, according to police. He was taken to Lahey Clinic where he was pronounced dead.

Another passenger, 24-year-old Jonathan Cruz, of Lawrence, was also ejected from the car and suffered serious, but non-life threatening, injuries. He landed in the third travel lane about 20 feet from the car, police said and was taken to Lahey Clinic.

Police said the Acura had at some point left the roadway, struck the guardrail on the median side, and rolled over, landing on its roof in the third travel lane. The engine was found approximately 100 feet from the vehicle in the first travel lane.

Almonte fled the scene on foot and was later located on Ballardvale Street in Wilmington after he pulled a fire call box, according to police.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning in Woburn District Court.